Getting a CDL replacement in Michigan is a mandatory step for commercial operators who have recently remained without a valid driving credential. Commercial drivers can initiate the process to replace CDL license credentials through the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Note that driving without a valid CDL is punishable by law. Therefore, commercial motorists must refrain from operating their vehicles until they receive a replacement credential in order to avoid the ensuing fines and penalties.

To replace a damaged, stolen or lost CDL drivers license, applicants will be required to submit several types of information and pay the applicable replacement fee. Note that the methods available to replace your commercial driving license may vary depending on your circumstances. For instance, motorists who are temporarily absent from the state may be able to submit a mail-in request. Continue reading the section below to learn more about getting a DMV CDL replacement.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Michigan?

Applying for a duplicate CDL license in Michigan is an important procedure that must be completed under certain circumstances. The most common reason to apply for a duplicate CDL is losing the original credential by accident or due to an incident of theft.

However, you will also have to get a replacement commercial driving license if you inadvertently damage or destroy the existing card. Another less common situation that will require you to apply for a duplicate credential also includes updating the information displayed on the license. This information could include your name, date of birth, address and/or restrictions, designations or endorsements.

Note: If your CDL credential is set to expire within a year, you can initiate the license renewal procedure instead of replacing it.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Michigan

When replacing your CDL license in Michigan, you will have to furnish several types of documents so that the SOS can retrieve your driving record and issue you a duplicate credential. Depending on the reason for replacing your commercial driving license, you may have to submit additional paperwork. The following list outlines the standard CDL replacement documentation that applies in various situations:

• The old commercial license, if available
• Proof of identification, such as:

• A certified birth certificate.
• A valid passport
• A state-issued identification document
• Documentation proving a change of information, such as proofs of a new address, name or birth date
• Documents to upgrade to an enhanced commercial license, provided you choose to do so, such as proofs of lawful U.S. presence and a valid Social Security Number
• Additional CDL-specific paperwork, if required

Note: You must submit original documents, which will be subjected to approval. Note that the SOS retains the right to request additional identification paperwork, depending on your circumstances.

How to Replace a Michigan CDL in Person

The standard method to replace a CDL license requires you to furnish the required items through a nearby SOS office. The standard steps to get your CDL replacement in Michigan in person require you to:

1. Fill out the corresponding application form.
2. Submit the applicable proofs of identification and any other applicable documents.
3. Surrender the old CDL credential, if available.
4. Pay the applicable replacement fee.

After processing your request for a duplicate CDL license in MI, the SOS will cancel your old credential and forward a request for a replacement license.

How to Replace a Michigan CDL Online

If you are unable to apply for a duplicate CDL in Michigan through an SOS facility, you may be allowed to utilize the services of ExpressSOS, which is the department’s online services platform. If you qualify to replace your CDL license online, you will have to complete these steps:

1. Log onto the system by entering:

• Your full name.
• Your driving license number.
• Birth date and eye color.
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number.

1. Follow the on-screen prompts and provide additional information, if required to do so.
2. Pay the applicable fee with a valid payment card.
3. Print or save a copy of the generated transaction confirmation.

Once the system processes your MI CDL replacement application, it will forward a request for the issuance of a replacement credential. You will most likely receive your duplicate CDL license by mail as soon as it is available.

Note that, if you have requested a duplicate license via the web within the preceding month or changed your address information within the preceding 10 days, you will not qualify for the online replacement option. Enhanced driver’s license replacements are also not processed online.

How to Replace a Michigan CDL by Mail

Obtaining a CDL replacement by mail is an option that may be available to you under certain unique circumstances. For example, if you are living outside of the state on a temporary basis and you remain without a valid commercial license, the SOS may allow you to submit a mail-in replacement request. However, the option to replace CDL licenses by mail may only be reserved for noncommercial drivers. To verify whether you can utilize this application method, inquire with the department.

CDL Replacement Fees in Michigan

The last step when replacing your CDL license is paying the applicable replacement fees. Note that the total costs may vary depending on your reason for replacing your commercial credential and whether you are applying for a duplicate enhanced license. A sample of the Michigan CDL replacement fees is outlined below:

• Standard fee for a duplicate or corrected license: $9
• Standard fee for a duplicate or corrected enhanced license: $24
• Adding a CDL endorsement: $5
• Adding a CDL X endorsement: $10
• Adding a CDL group designation: $25
• Nominal processing fee if paying with a payment card

Note: The acceptable payment forms may vary depending on your chosen application method you chose.

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